Awkward situation, possible benefits of pocket carry

Circumstances will vary in all situations. I am just curious as to what you and others would actually do given your scenario with regard to actually pulling a gun. If the guy continued to approach you after being told to stop, would you be justified in pointing a gun at him even though you saw no weapon? LEOs, feel free to jump in on this question.
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Good question Doublestack. I don't think anyone without firsthand experience can say what they would do. This thread actually was born from the thread"Here is something that worries me from time to time..." posted not too long ago by rampage841512 so it's no surprise the conversation goes in this direction.

I said in that thread that if I am armed (particularly IWB) I do not want to get into a wrestling match or fight. My interest in guns actually stemmed from my interest and training in martial arts and self defense. I am fairly confident in my abilities but if he wraps his arm around my waist and finds that gun I am in trouble.

Now on this night I was wearing jeans (smaller pockets than any shorts I wear) so retention of the j-frame in pocket wouldn't have been an issue. If he touched me or pressed too close I would probably fight. The sticky part is how do I know he's not armed?

It's all really speculation anyway, but some loser in a gas station parking lot isn't going to ruin my life anymore than he has to. I'm not itching for any excuse to draw.

Now if I was carrying in such a way that retention would be a problem, I don't know. I might try to fend him off and maybe fight standing with him. I don't know about this either because I don't know how fast, well-trained or lucky he is. This isn't a martial arts forum so I won't go into all the details and what-ifs of unarmed combat while carrying, but it is less than desireable.

All the video I've seen of police tussling with people I've seen only a few where the bad guy made any attempt at the officer's weapon. I would like to hear from some law enforcement on this to.
 
It's all really speculation anyway, but some loser in a gas station parking lot isn't going to ruin my life anymore than he has to. I'm not itching for any excuse to draw.

Now if I was carrying in such a way that retention would be a problem, I don't know. I might try to fend him off and maybe fight standing with him. I don't know about this either because I don't know how fast, well-trained or lucky he is. This isn't a martial arts forum so I won't go into all the details and what-ifs of unarmed combat while carrying, but it is less than desireable.
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You are right on the money with not letting some loser ruin your life. I feel the same way. Drawing on the person in your scenario would, it seems,cause one of two things to happen.

1. The guy immediately runs into the store and tells the clerk that a guy in the parking lot just pulled a gun on him. Cops show up, and your life just got a lot more miserable.

2. The guy panics and lunges for your gun. You shoot. Cops come, he is unarmed, and your life gets ruined.

The law in this state, and many others say that to use deadly force, the attacker must either verbally or through their actions threaten you, and they must have the ability to carry out that threat.

This does not necessarily mean the attacker must have a firearm. It could be someone with a club, bat or knife that says they are going to smash you or stab you, and has the ability to carry out that threat.

In your scenario, I think backing away if you can might be the answer. Like you, when I am carrying (especially with an OWB holster) I am not inclined to get into a wrestling match. I would want to keep as much distance as I could betwen myself and whoever appears to be a potential threat.

Your post is very thought provoking. I am glad that all worked out well for you. Stay alert and safe.

DS
 
even Clint Smith encourages cowardice in these type instances. Avoid the confrontation, however if the guy is unarmed and invades your personal space after being warned-four fingers straight to the eyes and/or kick to the sack and then use your Nike jiu jitsu and run like hell. it would take me seeing a knife or heavy club to elicite a gun reaction in this situation.
 
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